Music 

Welcome to 2025 and a new year of music making at Catholic College Sale! 

The demand for music lessons is continuing to grow which is fantastic news not only for the Music Department but also for the College as a whole.  We are so fortunate to have such high quality and experienced teachers working for us: Mr Condeza for Choirs, Rock Bands, vocal, guitars, drum kit, and keyboards; Mr Cousin (Concert Band); Mr Dwan (Liturgical Choir) and Ms Roffe (Strings).  This means that our ensembles can continue to grow in quality and quantity. There is a Concert Band, Sion Singers – open to all interested Year 7, 8 and 9 students, Show Choir – a select Senior close harmony group, MVC – a male vocal group open to all interested males, a Guitar Ensemble, and we have two Junior Rock Bands.  Our Liturgical Choir is also running and has been showcased at opening Masses and liturgies – all are welcome to join.  We also encourage students to form their own ensembles and run other ensembles as the need arises throughout the year.

Performance opportunities

We have informal school performance opportunities throughout the year, mostly at lunchtimes – we have one coming up on Wednesday 19th March on our outdoor leaf stage. We have after school concerts coming up early in Term Two so that parents can enjoy our performances and our ensembles and soloists get a chance to perform before upcoming Eisteddfods and other events. The dates for these will be in early May to be held in St Mary’s Hall and further details will be available closer to the time.  The first Eisteddfod is the Sale Eisteddfod and the dates for this are not precise at the moment but are advertised to be between the 20th and the 25th of May.

Places available

It is not too late to join in the activities in the Music Department – we have new members joining all through the year!  We would particularly like more flautists, and violinists and cellists are always welcome.  There is also one vacancy for acoustic double bass.  Unfortunately some instruments are fully booked, but a waiting list exists, and in the meantime, you could always try a second choice.  Use the online application form or see Ms Roffe, or any of our other music teachers if you would like to start learning an instrument.  All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to practice regularly.

Ensembles

Playing music in an ensemble is an essential part of learning your instrument, and for most students the element that they get the most pleasure from.  Joining a suitable ensemble is therefore a compulsory part of the College Instrumental Program.  Our ensembles are not limited to those learning an instrument at school, however. If you have an interest in playing in one of our ensembles or singing in one of our choirs just let us know. 

Currently rehearsals take place at lunchtimes for most ensembles, however Show Choir also rehearses after school from 3:30pm – 5:00pm on Thursdays.

Thank you all for your continued support of Music at Catholic College Sale.

Ann Roffe

Head of Music